Brought to you by The Ruby Group/Sandler Training. In the Purpose Under Pressure podcast, we explore people, their purpose, and the pressures that threaten to knock them off course. Each week, we’ll dive into a new story from different business leaders, each with a new perspective about why folks swing their feet out of bed each morning, and what pressures they withstand to stay on track.
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Bryan Lefelhoc Podcasts

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Lee Owens: Winning With Integrity...Under Pressure
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43:42Pressure is a constant companion for anyone chasing excellence on the field, in the office, or anywhere expectations run high. Whether it’s a scoreboard or a bottom line, performance is measured, critics weigh in, and the stakes can be brutally public. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies…
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Becky Cross: Harnessing the Power of IT…On Purpose
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Christian Ponce: Fighting for Inclusion and Diversity…Under Pressure
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37:21Pressures don’t wait for a convenient moment. Talking about immigration and diversity is perhaps easier to put off than tackle. But, perhaps, it's the things that make us most uncomfortable that are the most important to talk about. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, is joined by Chris…
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Gail Laux: Leading by Example…Under Pressure
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38:06Pressure has a way of testing us. Whether it comes through work, family, or unexpected challenges, it forces us to decide who we are and what matters most. In those moments, resilience and purpose often rise to the surface. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, is joined by Gail Laux, fou…
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Sruti Baz: Side Hustling a Dream Come True….On Purpose
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28:28Balancing a demanding career, raising children, and building a new business all at once takes resilience, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose. It’s the kind of challenge that forces you to slow down in some areas, speed up in others, and constantly adapt while staying true to what matters most. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host B…
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Ashley Krause: Putting Kids First…Under Pressure
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36:07Some conversations force us to face realities we’d rather not think about. Behind closed doors and in neighborhoods that look picture-perfect, children are struggling. Abuse, neglect, and trauma don’t discriminate—they show up everywhere. When we pause long enough to recognize that, it changes the way we see our role as neighbors, friends, and comm…
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When the pressure mounts in leadership, especially in education, how do you keep moving forward with clarity and conviction? Today’s conversation explores how purpose and discipline sustain leaders in both education and. business when challenges threaten to derail progress. From educators to entrepreneurs, the same truths apply: it isn’t just about…
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Bill Ludwig: Multi-Vocational Hope…On Purpose
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42:34Life has a way of testing us with pressures we never anticipated. Sometimes those pressures come in the form of obstacles at work, struggles in leadership, or moments of personal hardship that seem impossible to overcome. The question isn’t whether those pressures will come—it’s how we respond when they do. What does it look like to hold on to purp…
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Khash Saghafi: Life After Death…Under Pressure
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41:54When life throws its hardest punches, some people fold—but others rise with a drive that can’t be broken. Grit shows up in near-death moments, in the fight to recover from devastating setbacks, and in the relentless push to keep going when the odds are stacked high. It’s about refusing to quit when quitting would have been easier, and finding stren…
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Eli Yoder: The Preaching Truck Driver…On Purpose
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37:29Some storms come from within. Others come from a past you thought you left behind. But what if everything you were taught to believe—about God, salvation, and what it means to be "good enough"—wasn't the truth after all? What if discovering the truth cost you everything you ever knew? That’s the kind of pressure that reshapes a life, and for one ma…
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Greg Gorrell: Vietnam Survival…Under Pressure
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50:09Some stories don’t come easy. Especially those learned from days of war. They’re buried beneath years of silence, painful memories, and misunderstood history. But when someone has the courage to tell theirs, we would do well to listen. If we don’t, we risk forgetting what matters most and repeating the mistakes we swore we’d never make again. In th…
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Fred Hunt: Leading With the Calm of a Pilot…On Purpose
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29:24Some people thrive in pressure-packed environments, not by pushing harder, but by stepping back, staying calm, and leading with intention. In a noisy world full of shifting expectations, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. But what if the key to consistent success is the clarity to slow things down, see around the corner, and invest dee…
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T. Shane Johnson: Leading By Example…On Purpose
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31:39When most kids dream big, they think about dance recitals or football games. But when Charlie Johnson was six years old, she wanted to start a business. Now at just ten, she’s the CEO of Big Guns Coffee, pitching national retailers, closing major deals, and inspiring everyone who meets her. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefe…
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Gray Silva: Driving and Delivering Excellence…On Purpose
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29:24Logistics in the food, beverage, and gasoline industry is what drives this country. And what drives these logistics is truck drivers. Their job is not an easy one, filled with long hours, pressure-packed road conditions, and expectations that allow near-zero room for error. We owe much to them, yet we rarely give it a thought. In this episode of Pu…
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Matt Rocco: Training the Next Generation of Sales Professionals…On Purpose
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38:02Who is responsible for sales success? Is it the sales person? Is it the Sales Director? Is it the marketing department? (Some salespeople will point to them!). For our purposes, let’s take marketing out of the mix, ok? Leadership matters. But at the end of the day, it’s the sales person that brings in the bacon. Sales training can add heat to the f…
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Katie Navarra-Bradley: Trusting Gut Instinct…Under Pressure
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41:53There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to what others think you should do with your life. And for a while, we all try to do as we’re told. But, sooner or later, that “Purpose” starts to kick in and push back. When do you push back from your purpose because of what they say, and when do you go all in, no matter what they say. In this episode …
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Darlene and Samir Rashed: Choosing Commitment Over Emotion…On Purpose
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42:56Purpose under pressure means having the guts to stick to what you’re made for, instead of giving in to the easy path or the short road. When things get dicey, do you stand strong? It matters in business, and it matters at least as much in marriage. What choice will you make when the going get’s tough? In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host…
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Mike Parry: All In on Career Education…Under Pressure
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34:42Career Education is interesting because it seems so pigeonholed. Isn’t career education what school in general is all about? Yet, career education is funded differently, received and perceived differently by parents and students, and separated from public and private schools in general. Still, despite the stigma and the odds, career education is bo…
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Jon Parrish Peede: Answering the Call…On Purpose
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45:48When we’ve reached the pinnacle, are we necessarily done? Or is it ok to take another leap, take on another challenge, and work to deliver excellence again? Is it ok? I think for life’s successful individuals, it’s not just OK. It’s a way of life. When life calls, we need to be prepared to answer the call. There is a reason, and that may just be yo…
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Nick Kyriazis: Something From Nothing: The Market 42 Story…On Purpose
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20:45We see the empty field, or the abandoned storefront, and perhaps we wonder…”What if?” Then, maybe we see a realtor’s sign in front of that same space, and perhaps we wonder…”Could I?” You see, every one of us dreams. Some of us make dreams come true. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies w…
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Lena Wilson: Hard Work and Fast Success…on Purpose
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26:44When you see a product on the store shelves, do you ever think about what it took to make that happen? Do you think about the family behind the business and the challenges they’ve overcome together. Do you think about the future in front of the business and what it will take to keep that product in demand? Or do you simply chalk it up to “overnight…
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Bill Montgomery: Local Listener Funded Christian Radio…Under Pressure
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29:50There’s a lot of money out there in the broadcasting world, maybe a little bit of fame to chase. There are easier ways to spend your days, perhaps than others. It is true, that doing the right thing isn’t always the easy thing. Yet, those who do their work on purpose, believing in a higher calling and a larger responsibility, rarely choose the easy…
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Debbie Boehmke: Doing Business with a Servant’s Heart…On Purpose
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36:07The overwhelming purpose stated by guests on this show is a desire to help people. It’s the stated purpose in almost every show, of almost every guest. But that looks different for each of us. Sometimes, we see one way to help others, and we think that is the only way. If we aren’t helping in that direction, well, are we helping? That was the press…
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Jessica Cliff: All In and On Purpose…Under Pressure
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34:40Freedom. It’s what entrepreneurs want, right? To do their own thing, on their own mission, with their own purpose. But freedom has its price. Less time. Tight cash flow. Circumstances beyond control. Nobody said freedom is easy. But it’s the driving force that brings entrepreneurs to do whatever it takes to get it. And to do it again and again. In …
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Jason Sanders/The One J Sun, Esquire: Wrestling The Dream…Under Pressure
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47:30If someone told you they wanted to be a Professional Wrestler, what would you say? Now, what do you really think? I'll leave that response to you. While you're figuring it out, check out this episode of the Purpose Under Pressure podcast. Dreams come true if we have the guts to go after them! Jason Sanders does...and he's living the dream as The On…
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Chef Todd Whitman: Cooking Up Recovery and Redemption…On Purpose
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41:40If you think you've got it down, you probably do. But if you think you can't battle back, you're wrong. People who have been as low or lower than you have done it, and our guest this week is proof. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies speaks with Chef Todd Whitman, the executive chef at S…
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Katy Spicer: The Myth of Work Life Balance…On Purpose
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30:56In this final episode of Season 6 of the Purpose Under Pressure podcast, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, welcomes Katy Spicer, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Reserves, a commercial litigation attorney, and an aspiring entrepreneur. She's also a Mom! Thus the Work/Life Balance focus for our show! Katy shares her journey o…
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Doug Whittington: Selling on Purpose…Under Pressure
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38:32In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, talks sales success and strategies with Doug Whittington, a partner at Sandler by the Ruby Group. They explore how Sandler Training methodologies have shaped Doug's approach to sales, emphasizing the significance of being a trusted advisor rather than…
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Billy Francis and Dan Lawson: Making Christmas Merry for Everyone…on Purpose
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29:49In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder and owner of Bryan Media Strategies discusses the mission and impact of the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Ashland, Ohio, with Major Billy Francis and Dan Lawson. They explore the Kroc Center's role in providing essential services to the community, especially during the holiday …
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Ron Jones: The Search for Identity…Under Pressure
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29:51In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, speaks with Ron Jones, a national account manager at Delavan Spray Technologies. Ron shares his journey of faith, identity crises, and the pressures of life that have shaped his purpose. He discusses the importance of finding meaning beyond career rol…
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Gerald Engelhart: Building and Rebuilding a Business…Under Pressure
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32:50In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, speaks with Gerry Engelhart, a successful entrepreneur and founder of Automated Print and Promo. Gerry shares his journey from being an accountant to owning a printing business, discussing the challenges he faced, the importance of sales training, and…
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John Liebler: On Fear, Adrenaline, Failure and Success…Under Pressure
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34:35In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, owner of Bryan Media Strategies, engages with John Liebler, founder of RSC Insights, who shares his unique perspective on business growth, motivation, and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. John discusses his self-identified role as a "Swiss Army Knife of Business", emphasizing the…
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Good Deeds, Big Dreams and Cranked Up TV…on Purpose
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39:28In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies talks with Scott Donley and Phil Garrett from Good Deed Entertainment as they prepare to go live with the launch of their new streaming service, Cranked Up TV. There is pressure when it comes to going toe to toe with the big boys in the streaming indus…
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Stacy Schiemann: Doing the Right Thing...On Purpose
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29:21In this episode of the Purpose Under Pressure podcast, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies engages with Stacy Schiemann, the Executive Director of the United Way of Ashland County. They discuss the pressures and challenges faced by nonprofit organizations in fundraising and community support. Stacy shares insights on the importan…
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Monica Grays: Bearing a Teachers Heart…Under Pressure
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32:44In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc of Bryan Media Strategies speaks with Monica Grays, a dedicated teacher and founder of the Second Semester Consignment Shop in Cleveland, Ohio. Monica shares her journey in education, and the challenges teachers face as they work to do their difficult but important jobs. The key outcome…
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Savings Hearts and Saving Lives…On Purpose
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35:15In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies discusses the critical role of AEDs in saving lives with David Fritzsche, founder of SaveHeart by Heart Nation. They explore the challenges of placing AEDs in public spaces, the regulatory landscape, and the entrepreneurial pressures faced by David in …
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Dr. Chad Burton: The Emergency is Now…On Purpose
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32:28In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc of Bryan Media Strategies talk with Dr. Chad Burton, an emergency physician turned healthcare consultant, to discuss the complexities of the American healthcare system. They explore the challenges patients face in understanding emergencies, the need for proactive healthcare solutions, a…
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The Unexpected Journey to Purpose…Under Pressure
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29:04In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies talks with Tristan Griffin, founder of Farming with Friends, a nonprofit community farm dedicated to employing individuals with disabilities. Tristan shares his journey from law school to coaching and eventually to establishing a farm that emphasizes r…
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Sharon Johnson: Random Acts of Kindness…on Purpose
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38:02This is Episode #1 of Season 6 of the Purpose Under Pressure Podcast! In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc of Bryan Media Strategies speaks with Sharon Johnson, the owner of Natural Soap Lab and founder of the charity Never Give Up, Never Quit. Here's the deal. We don't know what people are going through when we come up on…
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Aubrey and Aaron Bates: Work and Life in Balance…On Purpose
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36:23Yes, "life" comes first. But what does that even mean? Life balance requires equal, superhuman effort to keep both sides working. Family can’t take a backseat to work. And your work can’t suffer from inattention. It’s a real problem that too many brush aside as impossible to accomplish. That’s why I’m proud to introduce you to Aaron and Aubrey Bate…
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Mackenzie Rossero: A “New Day” Everyday, Live and Local…Under Pressure
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31:18Running live television is expensive, challenging, and stressful. That’s why fewer and fewer outlets are doing it. Enter Mackenzie Rossero, of New Day Cleveland at Fox 8 in Cleveland. She’s helping put together a two-hour live show, with live guests, with a live clock, every day in one of this country's most storied local broadcasting cities. Let’s…
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Ginny Telego: Resilience, Leadership and Horses…Building a Business On Purpose.
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31:11Sometimes, you’ve just got to get back up on the horse. Easier said than done, I think. Some people have nothing to lose. And some people have lost everything. There is a big difference, and there are big lessons to be learned. Ginny Telego, President and CEO of Collaboration Partners, shares her story of persistence in the face of devastation, and…
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Doug Reynolds: Brewing Big Dreams and Downtown Vitality…Under Pressure
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31:18Trailblazers do one thing well. They blaze their own trail. Anyone can walk down a clear path. It takes courage, confidence, and maybe a little bit of "crazy" to pave a way where few have dared to tread. Doug Reynolds, co-owner of Uniontown Brewing Company, shares his journey of opening a brewery and restaurant in downtown Ashland, Ohio. Despite th…
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Pete and Doug Cooper: Brewing Something Good...On Purpose
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39:39Business really can change lives. For employees, suppliers and their families in a cycle of influence. When it's about you, it's easy. When it's about others, it throws a wrench in the system. Goldberry Roasting Company in Ashland buys coffee beans from farmers in Mexico. That's not rare. They buy them for more than the farmers want to sell them fo…
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Karin Reale: Selling Worldwide and Staying Local...On Purpose
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30:47Family business doesn't always stay small. As you grow, the pressures rise, the expectations and opportunities multiply. If you're not careful and if you're not grounded...the pressure can take over the purpose. Karin Reale, CFO and owner of Goosefoot Acres, shares the story of Dandy Blend, a caffeine-free herbal beverage and coffee alternative, st…
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Mark Akins: Resilience, Belief, Positivity and Determination...Under Pressure
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45:32Mark Akins is the first "second chance" guest on Purpose Under Pressure. The first episode saw him picking himself up from the bottom after a failed suicide attempt. This episode takes place a year later, and finds Mark accomplishing the very things he said he'd do with his second chance. Mark is now a three time author, a public and motivational s…
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Shaw Rader: Building a Future for Your Company and Your Community...on Purpose
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28:25In a small town, everyone knows your name and your work. That is its own kind of pressure if you're the kind of guy or the kind of business that accepts the responsibility. Shaw Rader and Simonson Construction are those kinds of guys. The Purpose Under Pressure podcast is brought to you in partnership with Sandler by the Ruby Group, serving sales p…
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Pt McManamon: Taking the Hard Road...On Purpose
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37:02Starting over is never easy. It's not comfortable. It can be scary. And when you're leaving a good thing to start something new, there's no guarantees. Sounds like pressure, right? But for Pat McManamon, Senior Partner at Sandler by the Ruby Group in Jacksonville Florida, staying safe and protected in that comfortable corporate world was the pressu…
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Scott Harris: Leading Others to Their Purpose...On Purpose
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39:13A near-death experience will change things. A second near-death experience changes everything. When you're living a life far from your purpose, God has a way of getting your attention. He got Scott Harris' attention in a big way, and now Scott lives his life to serve others and to lead them to find a purpose of their own. The Purpose Under Pressure…
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James Collins: Bringing Purpose on the Front Lines and the Home Front...Under Pressure
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38:27You might think it would be harder behind enemy lines leading a team of Marines than it is to build a successful business and raise a thriving family. And in reality, I still think it is. But our guest James Collins has done both, and he'll tell you that Marine life is simple. It's the chaos of homeland life that provides the pressure. Learn from o…
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